AND THE WINNER IS...

It’s awards season, and admittedly I’m a speech wonk.

There is nothing better than a perfectly worded acceptance speech that makes you smile, fill with pride and genuinely happy for the winner.

This week, the KW Chamber of Commerce is hosting its Business Achievement Awards Gala. It’s arguably the biggest awards ceremony in Waterloo Region and sells out every year. Twelve awards will be handed out; from Business of the Year (small, medium and large) to the Innovation Award. Click here for a list of the awards and a list of all the nominees.

The Chamber recently sent out a note asking nominees to have a one-minute acceptance speech ready. That’s a tall order for one minute; thank everyone, be passionate, and hopefully inspire. In light of the pressure that the nominees are under I have five tips to help you prepare your speech.

1. Start with the end. How do you want to finish your speech? What is the lasting thought you want to leave people with? Think about it. This is an opportunity to say something to nearly one thousand of your peers. Make it count.
2. Now focus on the start. How can you link your last statement to the beginning of the speech? Please don’t say, “I can’t believe this”. Or “I never expected to win”. Greet the audience with a smile and a short (you only have a minute) story of why you started your business.
3. Thank yous. It’s important to thank the Chamber, the sponsors, your team, family and your customers. We are all in business to serve our customers, don’t forget them!
4. Be grateful. Acknowledge the other nominees. Talk about what this award means to you and your company. Be honest and humble.
5. Remember that great end you thought up. Deliver it with confidence. Signal the end of your speech by ending with “Thank you, again”. Cue the applause.

Writing a great speech and giving a great speech are two totally different animals.  Have you ever heard of the 55-38-7 non-verbal and verbal communication rule? It’s a study that looked at the elements of communication stating the impact of words, tone of voice and body language. Whether you agree with the study or not the take away is this, most people spend more time writing their speech rather than practicing their speech. Effective communication, the kind where people listen and hear what you are saying, involves your tone of voice and body language.

So a couple of tips to present well.

1. Practice your speech at least 20 times before the event. You don’t want to sound like you are reading your speech. But it is okay to bring the paper with you just in case.
2. Take a deep breath before you begin. Deep breathing helps slow down your heart. You don’t want to have a shallow voice by taking quick sips of air.
3. Don’t rush. Speak slowly. Adrenaline will make you want to speak faster. The orchestra is not going to start playing like it does at the Oscars.
4. Try to remember to “punch” some of your words. Speaking in a monotone voice is very difficult to listen to. Every couple of sentences choose a word you want to articulate.
5. Body language. Try to manage your flailing arms and hands. It’s distracting. Keep them snug to the sides of your body.
6. Smile! This is a big moment for you and your company. Look out at the audience and feed off the great energy in the room. Everyone there wants you to succeed.

Good luck to all the nominees! I’m looking forward to your speeches!

A couple of my favs for inspiration!

Click here for PM Trudeau’s Acceptance Speech.

Patricia Arquette Oscar Acceptance Speech – fast forward through the thank you’s get to good part – Meryl Streep sure likes it!

Or have you seen Taylor Swift’s speech for winning her Best Album Grammy?